Rochdale manufacturer invests in tech with 'Made Smarter' support

Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter adoption programme for the north west

Rochdale engineering firm Premium Fabrications is advancing its digital capabilities with support from Made Smarter, a regional initiative supporting small and medium manufacturers in adopting technology for growth.

The company recently secured a grant from the North West adoption programme, which will fund new digital tools aimed at boosting efficiency and productivity.

Premium Fabrications is one of 23 manufacturers in the latest round of grants from Made Smarter, an initiative backed by both government and industry.

The company has channelled its funding into automation and advanced software. Barbara Smyth, owner of the Premium Fabrications, said the collaboration with Made Smarter has been transformative. She said: "Working with Made Smarter has had a massive impact on our business.

“Its support has enabled us to become more efficient, productive, and profitable, and reach more customers. It has also created new jobs, including an apprenticeship, and helped us upskill our existing workforce. Without this investment, we would have been years away from the progress we have achieved."

With this round of funding, Made Smarter has reached a significant milestone, having supported North West companies to invest a total of £25 million in digital technologies.

Across the region, 330 businesses have received £7.1 million in funding over the past six years, with investments covering a wide range of advanced technologies, including sensors, robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.

In total, these investments are projected to generate over 1,700 new jobs and enhance the skills of more than 3,200 existing roles, benefiting an average of ten employees per business.

According to forecasts, the boost in technology and workforce development will add an estimated £267 million to the regional economy within the next three years.

Donna Edwards, director of the Made Smarter adoption programme for the north west, commented on the milestone reached with the latest grant awards, highlighting the broader impact on local industry. She said: "These technology projects will have a tremendous impact on individuals, businesses, the sector and society.

“They will boost efficiency, productivity, and growth, creating new jobs and upskilling existing roles, all while shifting the dial towards a more sustainable approach to manufacturing.”

Beyond grants, Made Smarter provides SME manufacturers with access to funded support, including digital transformation workshops to establish a digital roadmap, impartial technology advice, and training programmes to enhance leadership and skills.